NEWCASTLE boss Alan Pardew has criticised the men he believes are attempting to force striker Demba Ba out of the club.

The 27-year-old Senegal international’s future has been the subject of intense speculation ever since it emerged that there is a £7million release clause in the three-year contract he signed at St James’ Park during the summer of 2011.

That clause becomes active once again today, and while the Magpies are yet to receive a bid which would trigger it, it is understood Ba’s representatives have already held talks, later described as “unproductive”, with potential purchasers Chelsea.

Newcastle, who take on Everton at St James’s Park tomorrow, would have no say in the player’s destiny should that figure be met, but they have grown increasingly frustrated with the way the former Hoffenheim striker has been hawked around by people claiming to represent him, often with little foundation.

Pardew said: “Some of the representatives, I think he (Ba) is at a loss as to who they are, and they don’t represent him.

“He is quite clear who represents him and I think he is a little bit upset about that.

“In some respects, I feel a little bit sorry for Demba as well because I think people who are representing him are not actually representing him.

“There are people out there who are fuelling this who are not actually involved or want to be involved, and that’s the sort of world that we are in. The contract is what it is, we are all aware of that, and for me as the manager, I need it resolved as quickly as possible. That’s the best situation for our fans and for the club.”